Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

kirbenvost wrote:Oh my. Valiant work, fearless leader! Sorry to hear about the casualties, but you did a great service to us fans.

This!

Impressive looking figure but that helmet looks awful - too organic and rounded for such a blocky figure. It also renders the headmaster gimmick rather pointless as you can't see it.

Mykltron wrote:Impressive looking figure but that helmet looks awful - too organic and rounded for such a blocky figure. It also renders the headmaster gimmick rather pointless as you can't see it.

Toywise, yes. The show did explain it, though.

VERY nice gallery, and I'm glad you finally did it! but WOW I had no idea just how fragile gold plastic could be.
I still have my G2 electro, and, while I dont mess with him much, he's not that fragile. Just yesterday he fell off my shelf when my cat knocked him off. I thought he was done. But I checked on him and he just fell, no harm done. Maybe it's because, up until recently, he's been in a dark box, inside another box for like, 10 years. I really dont know. Just lucky I guess

Still, as always, jealous of your photography skills and your massive collection. I need to get off my rump and start saving up for a new camera. No, I need to stop saying I will, and actually DO it.

Rated X wrote:Very impressive. As always the galleries were nicely done. I never knew he had a different head sculpt. I always thought it was a straight repaint. So this is the figure that started the "gold plastic syndrome" outrage ???

Yes, Black Zarak is the first Transformers toy to use gold plastic.

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Though, two things:
1. How'd you remove the head?

If you're referring to the Scorponok head ... I used the KO reproduction head for those shots, as well as any shots where the arms and legs are posed. Most of the shots in Scorponok's gallery are using the actual toy except for when he's in head mode and posed.

I meant for the Dakatsu Mode, in which the red BlackZarak head isn't present.

The red head just pops off. It's just attached via two large pegs on each side of the head, in a similar fashion to the "helmet" for Scorponok. The serpent mode can be achieved just as easily with Scorponok.

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Though, two things:
1. How'd you remove the head?

If you're referring to the Scorponok head ... I used the KO reproduction head for those shots, as well as any shots where the arms and legs are posed. Most of the shots in Scorponok's gallery are using the actual toy except for when he's in head mode and posed.

I meant for the Dakatsu Mode, in which the red BlackZarak head isn't present.

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:2. Kinda disappointed that no pic of him in this form has him crawling on his belly all serpent style like he did in the show, but no real biggie.

Not sure that he did that ... I watched the last episode of Masterforce over and over again while doing the serpent mode. If he did do that, it was just a minor scene that I missed while taking photos. I'm sure we'll be just fine without pics like that since I did the far more complicated shots with him upright in his serpent mode.

'Kay.

Though, here's some shots of the Dakatsu Mode sitting on its belly from the episode.

Thanks for the screenshots. That pose can be accomplished. One day I'll take some photos of Black Zarak like that.

Congratulations on completing an endeavor only a few would dare.

Sabrblade wrote:Also, what's this other mode being advertised here along with the Robot, Scorpion, and Base modes? Anyone here Japanese-savvy enough to tell what it says?

That's indeed the different stages of transformation, standard issue in G1. Fortunately, I know some Japanese and I can tell you what the words say:

1) Black Sasori, or "Black Scorpion"
2) Transform
3) Black Zarak
4) Destron Yousai, or "Decepticon Fortress"

RhA wrote:

Mykltron wrote:Impressive looking figure but that helmet looks awful - too organic and rounded for such a blocky figure. It also renders the headmaster gimmick rather pointless as you can't see it.

Toywise, yes. The show did explain it, though.

Erm, well, not exactly.

It did hint at an explanation for this, but it didn't quite go into full detail about it.

See, one of the show's flaws is that, while it did introduce a who lot of cool concepts, it didn't quite go about giving explanations for all of them. It wasn't until after the series ended that they went back and made a new clip show episode special to explain a bunch of these concepts, but in regards to BlackZarak, all it explained about him was that he was Scorponok after having built a new Transtector (after his old MegaZarak one was destroyed), but was captured and brianwashed by Devil Z before he could "Head On!" with his new BlackZarak Transtector.

The actual explanation about BlackZarak being able to function without his head was givin in the Chōjin Masterforce manga, in which it was explained that the smaller Scorponok Headmaster isn't inside BlackZarak's head, but is actually wired to the body inside the Transtector's chest.

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Seibertron wrote:The red head just pops off. It's just attached via two large pegs on each side of the head, in a similar fashion to the "helmet" for Scorponok. The serpent mode can be achieved just as easily with Scorponok.

Got it. Never owned or even played with a G1 Scorponok (but I'd like to).

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JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:That's indeed the different stages of transformation, standard issue in G1. Fortunately, I know some Japanese and I can tell you what the words say:

1) Black Sasori, or "Black Scorpion"
2) Transform
3) Black Zarak
4) Destron Yousai, or "Decepticon Fortress"

Thanks.

Still would have made some cool extra base modes.

The envy I experienced upon Ryan purchasing this beast is now eclipsed by my astonishment that he actually transformed it. If that isn't the ultimate expression of dedication after the flash flood catastrophe, I don't know what is. The gallery is more than fabulous, it is/should be legendary.

morphobots wrote:The envy I experienced upon Ryan purchasing this beast is now eclipsed by my astonishment that he actually transformed it. If that isn't the ultimate expression of dedication after the flash flood catastrophe, I don't know what is. The gallery is more than fabulous, it is/should be legendary.

Thanks for the compliments. It means a lot to me that all of you seem to really appreciate and understand my level of dedication to this fandom, to Seibertron.com, and most importantly ... to the fans of Seibertron.com.

If you thought Black Zarak was the ultimate expression of dedication ... just wait for the next round of galleries coming over the next couple of weeks including the likes of Scorponok (poster earlier today), Overlord, Grand Maximus, Brave Maximus, and new pictures for Fortress Maximus' existing galleries!

Seibertron wrote:

morphobots wrote:The envy I experienced upon Ryan purchasing this beast is now eclipsed by my astonishment that he actually transformed it. If that isn't the ultimate expression of dedication after the flash flood catastrophe, I don't know what is. The gallery is more than fabulous, it is/should be legendary.

Thanks for the compliments. It means a lot to me that all of you seem to really appreciate and understand my level of dedication to this fandom, to Seibertron.com, and most importantly ... to the fans of Seibertron.com.

If you thought Black Zarak was the ultimate expression of dedication ... just wait for the next round of galleries coming over the next couple of weeks including the likes of Scorponok (poster earlier today), Overlord, Grand Maximus, Brave Maximus, and new pictures for Fortress Maximus' existing galleries!

Of course! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have this forum, let alone all of the simply glorious galleries you've posted. Looking forward to the upcoming ones, especially Overlord and Brave Max!

Seibertron wrote:If you thought Black Zarak was the ultimate expression of dedication ... just wait for the next round of galleries coming over the next couple of weeks including the likes of Scorponok (poster earlier today), Overlord, Grand Maximus, Brave Maximus, and new pictures for Fortress Maximus' existing galleries!

You spoil us, good sir.

Though, since you bring up the Fort Max molds, do you have (or plan on getting) the Lucky Draw Brave Maximus, which includes all of the G1 Fort Max accessories (including the swords) that were missing from the retail Brave Max release?

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:If you thought Black Zarak was the ultimate expression of dedication ... just wait for the next round of galleries coming over the next couple of weeks including the likes of Scorponok (poster earlier today), Overlord, Grand Maximus, Brave Maximus, and new pictures for Fortress Maximus' existing galleries!

You spoil us, good sir.

Though, since you bring up the Fort Max molds, do you have (or plan on getting) the Lucky Draw Brave Maximus, which includes all of the G1 Fort Max accessories (including the swords) that were missing from the retail Brave Max release?

The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

Seibertron wrote:The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

I wasn't referring to RobotMasters Cybertron Base.

Though, if you knew someone (not refering to me) who had the Lucky Draw accessories, would you do a gallery with them and Brave Max if they let you borrow them?

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

I wasn't referring to RobotMasters Cybertron Base.

Though, if you knew someone (not refering to me) who had the Lucky Draw accessories, would you do a gallery with them and Brave Max if they let you borrow them?

Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

I wasn't referring to RobotMasters Cybertron Base.

Though, if you knew someone (not refering to me) who had the Lucky Draw accessories, would you do a gallery with them and Brave Max if they let you borrow them?

Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Speaking of which, is it possible for any of us who might wish to to make PayPal donations to you in order to provide fundage for specific figures of our choosing for you to purchase for your collection so that you can do galleries for them?

I ask because you've mentioned before that there are some figures which are pricier than you're willing to pay for them and that's why you don't own them and thus don't have galleries for them.

I'm not saying I'd buy you a bunch of Lucky Draw figures or anything, but I'd certainly donate to the cause of some other less expensive figures I'd like to see in the galleries.

xyl360 wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

I wasn't referring to RobotMasters Cybertron Base.

Though, if you knew someone (not refering to me) who had the Lucky Draw accessories, would you do a gallery with them and Brave Max if they let you borrow them?

Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Speaking of which, is it possible for any of us who might wish to to make PayPal donations to you in order to provide fundage for specific figures of our choosing for you to purchase for your collection so that you can do galleries for them?

I ask because you've mentioned before that there are some figures which are pricier than you're willing to pay for them and that's why you don't own them and thus don't have galleries for them.

I'm not saying I'd buy you a bunch of Lucky Draw figures or anything, but I'd certainly donate to the cause of some other less expensive figures I'd like to see in the galleries.

I'm flattered and I appreciate the offer. While I will admit it is tempting to see what galleries could be accomplished via many people pooling together small donations, I don't feel that this would be appropriate since Seibertron.com is an actual business.

On that note, which figures are you interested in having me take photos of? I might own them already and just need some direction of where to point my camera the next time I'm caught up with current releases of figures.

Seibertron wrote:Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Was the Green Unicron gallery a borrowed item?

Seibertron wrote:

xyl360 wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:The accessories were never available with the Lucky Draw Cybertron Base. The accessories themselves were given away as a Lucky Draw set from Takara, sans Brave Maximus.

No I do not plan on getting any Lucky Draw items, not unless I win the lottery.

I wasn't referring to RobotMasters Cybertron Base.

Though, if you knew someone (not refering to me) who had the Lucky Draw accessories, would you do a gallery with them and Brave Max if they let you borrow them?

Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Speaking of which, is it possible for any of us who might wish to to make PayPal donations to you in order to provide fundage for specific figures of our choosing for you to purchase for your collection so that you can do galleries for them?

I ask because you've mentioned before that there are some figures which are pricier than you're willing to pay for them and that's why you don't own them and thus don't have galleries for them.

I'm not saying I'd buy you a bunch of Lucky Draw figures or anything, but I'd certainly donate to the cause of some other less expensive figures I'd like to see in the galleries.

I'm flattered and I appreciate the offer. While I will admit it is tempting to see what galleries could be accomplished via many people pooling together small donations, I don't feel that this would be appropriate since Seibertron.com is an actual business.

On that note, which figures are you interested in having me take photos of? I might own them already and just need some direction of where to point my camera the next time I'm caught up with current releases of figures.

Well, I wasn't talking about small donations. I was actually planning on giving you money to purchase some figures of my choosing, in particular, some Beast Wars figures. Especially Japanese variants. Almost the entire line has at least subtle variances in the paint schemes/color schemes when compared to their US counterparts (my own collection is largely made up of all of the Beast Wars figures from both Takara and Hasbro as well as their re-used molds in other lines like Armada and Beast Machines).

I'd like Seibertron's galleries to become an index of every figure ever made, including all variants and re-uses of molds as well as other versions of each character, pretty much identical to what can be found on TFU.info, but with your far superior galleries instead of their 2~3 pictures (which are often not that great).

It would be like having an online database of beautiful pictorial reviews with the most accurate representations of what the figures actually look like in real life.

I mentioned Beast Wars specifically because a while back I mentioned that one of the Japanese versions of a figure from the line didn't have a gallery, and you mentioned you hadn't found one for a reasonable price, so I'm basically offering to fund the purchase of one which would be 'unreasonably priced' so that it could have a gallery. I would of course be donating it, as I myself already own the figure and I don't need a duplicate.

You actually did it! I'm going to break a tear.......GPS, I so hate that phenomena.....

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:Maybe. Though I would prefer to own them ... it gives me motivation to work on these galleries and to complete my collection. Taking photos of someone else's items takes away all the steam from me wanting it, plus it scares the crap out of me handling someone else's rare Transformers items.

Was the Green Unicron gallery a borrowed item?

Yes it was ... thanks to jrfitzpatrick's generosity and trust. I made an exception with that item because I'm not looking for Lucky Draws, and it's an item that I'll most likely never own. I decided after doing that gallery that it would be best if I didn't borrow figures from people because of concerns if something happened to their toy while I was handling it, especially on a $4,000+ item like Lucky Draw Unicron.

Wheeeeeee!!!!!!

Ah the playability of G1. A lost art, in a way.

Very nice gallery, and I thank you for documenting a figure I will never have because of it's fragility.

Duke of Luns wrote:

Wheeeeeee!!!!!!

Ah the playability of G1. A lost art, in a way.

Very nice gallery, and I thank you for documenting a figure I will never have because of it's fragility.

LOL. Glad you found one of the fun pics I took during this gallery shoot. I just wanted to treat Black Zarak like a regular Transformers toy and give it the full blown gallery treatment just like I would with a modern figure. I pulled out all of the stops with this gallery and I think all of the responses that it got shows that I pulled it off!

Cannot thank you enough for this gallery Ryan. I am sure I am not only speaking for myself when I say it means alot to those of us who may never own such a rare and incredible piece.